Mizoram: Aizawl gets rail connectivity, now linked to railway network

GUWAHATI: In a historic development for Mizoram, the state capital Aizawl has officially been connected to the Indian Railway network following the successful commissioning and authorization by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) of the newly constructed Broad Gauge (BG) line from Hortoki to Sairang. This achievement marks the completion of the 51.38-km-long Bairabi–Sairang New Line Railway Project, fulfilling a long-cherished dream of the people of Mizoram.

The final 33.864-km stretch from Hortoki to Sairang was inspected between June 6 and June 10, 2025 by Sumeet Singhal, CRS of the Northeast Frontier Circle. With this final leg completed and approved, the entire rail line from Bairabi to Sairang is now ready for operation, officially integrating Aizawl into the national railway grid for the first time.

The CRS inspection included a thorough examination by motor trolley and on foot, followed by a speed trial conducted using a diesel-powered inspection special. The newly opened section runs through challenging hilly terrain and features significant engineering work, including 32 tunnels and 35 major bridges. Despite the difficult geography, the Northeast Frontier Railway successfully executed the construction work to high standards.

The CRS has authorized the BG line from Hortoki to Sairang for the carriage of both passengers and freight, with a maximum permissible speed of 90 kmph on the main line. This new connectivity is expected to boost passenger travel and freight transportation, as well as stimulate socio-economic development in Mizoram.

The entire Bairabi–Sairang Railway Project is considered an engineering marvel. It includes 48 tunnels, 55 major bridges, and 87 minor bridges, with a total tunnel length of 12,853 meters. One of its standout structures, Bridge No. 196, stands 104 meters tall—42 meters taller than Delhi’s iconic Qutub Minar. The project also incorporates five Road Over Bridges and six Road Under Bridges, and is divided into four sections: Bairabi–Hortoki, Hortoki–Kawnpui, Kawnpui–Mualkhang, and Mualkhang –Sairang, stated a press release.

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